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Project Blue and data‑center bids spur debate on jobs, water and environmental oversight
Summary
Public commenters and supervisors debated proposed large data‑center projects, including Project Blue, with concerns raised about annexation conditions, water use and county involvement. The board said it will continue due diligence and referred health impact assessment work to the Board of Health.
A series of public commenters and board members used the Sept. 16 meeting to press concerns and arguments about proposed large data‑center projects, including one referred to as Project Blue, and the county’s role in economic recruitment.
Public speakers told the board they believed conditional approvals or land deals had proceeded without required annexations and appealed to the county to halt closings until conditions were met. Speakers also warned that data‑center operations and related infrastructure could strain local water, power and environmental resources and called for stronger public scrutiny.
Supervisor Hines said she had met with the development team in May and subsequently sought to understand the project’s alignment with county economic development goals. She said the Board must balance attraction of large technology investments and the need to protect the county’s environment and resources. Hines told colleagues she had briefed herself on technical details (including types of “cloud‑processing” facilities) and noted that county agencies including Pima County, Pima College and the University of Arizona use cloud services and therefore the county has a stake in participating in new infrastructure.
Supervisor Hines and others said they were impressed by the developer’s stated commitments to environmental stewardship but also pressed for strict due diligence. Supervisor Allen told the Board of Health’s upcoming community health assessment on data centers is intended to inform county due diligence related to large water and electric users.
Board members did not vote on Project Blue at the meeting. Supervisor Cano urged the county administrator to provide clearer public assurances and a statement on next steps; several supervisors asked for additional staff reports and legal analysis. Public commenters warned of a “race to the bottom” among cash‑strapped municipalities competing for projects.
Ending — The board directed staff to continue due diligence; county staff and the Board of Health were asked to provide health‑impact assessment materials and legal staff to report back on annexation and contractual conditions.
